Self-locking connector



March 20, 1956 J MODREY r 2,739,292

SELF-LOCKING CONNECTOR Filed Jan. 2, 1953 2 SheQts-Sheet 1 l \\|llhI INVENTORSI 26 26 HENRY J. MODREY' JO EPH F. HEALY F/G. 5 BY [i H ATTORNEY March 1956 H. J. MODREY ETAL SELF-LOCKING CONNECTOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 2, 1953 INVENTORS HENRY J. MODREY JOSEPH F. HEALY L X/M 5m ATTORNEY SELF-LOCKING CONNECTOR Henry J. Modrey, Stamford, and Joseph F. Healy, Westport, Conn., assignors to Interlock Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application January 2, 1953, Serial No. 329,418

19 Claims. ((11. 339--176) This invention relates to self-locking mechanical and electrical connectors and couplings. More particular, the invention relates to connectors and couplings of the type in which one member of the connector or coupling includes a clamping rod having on one end an enlarged clamping head engageable with a receiving opening in the other member and detachably retained therein by being held in a position in which the clamping head unilaterally overhangs the rim defining the receiving opening. The two members are released from each other by actuating a release means which upon actuation makes space available for a withdrawal of the clamping head from the receiving opening.

The aforementioned connectors or couplings may be either of the slide-controlled type or the slideless type. Connectors or couplings of the first type include a wedging or locking slide which is movable relative to the clamping head and extends into the receiving opening alongside the clamping rod for retaining the clamping head of the rod in its locking position. The two members of the connector or coupling are separated by withdrawing the slide from the receiving opening thereby making space available for withdrawal of the clamping head. With connectors or couplings of the slideless type, the clamping head is held in its locking position overhanging the receiving opening by a retaining member entering a receiving sleeve of a certain axial depth and positively held and guided therein when the clamping head is passed through the receiving sleeve. The two members of a connector or coupling of this latter type are released by withdrawal of the retaining member from the receiving sleeve.

There are known several designs of both types of connectors or couplings based upon prior inventions of Henry J. Modrey, one of the inventors herein. With all the connectors and couplings as hitherto known the release of the connector or coupling members is effected by a release means disposed on the engaging or male member of the connector or coupling and actuated by an actuating member also disposed on the engaging memher.

It has been found that for certain fields of application, it is advantageous to effect a release of the connector or coupling from the receiving side of the connector or coupling rather than, as conventional, from the other or engaging side.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present inven tion is to provide a connector or coupling, either for mechanically coupling two components or electrically connecting two conductors, the two members of which are detachable from each other by actuation of means disposed on the receiving or female member of the connector or coupling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel or improved connector or coupling of the slidecontrolled type, the two members of which are released by actuation of a release means disposed on the receiving member and coacting with the locking slide so as to effect movement of the latter into the release position.

Another more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel or improved connector or coupling of the slideless type, the two members of which are released by means of a release means on the receiving or female member which releasing means upon actuation, effects a withdrawal of the retaining member from the receiving opening.

Still another object of the invention, allied with the preceding ones, is to provide a novel and improved slidecontrolled connector or coupling of the general type, above referred to, which can be selectively released either from the receiving side or the engaging side of the connector or coupling. According to a now preferred embodiment, the connector or coupling is released by twisting one coupling or connector member relative to theother.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter and set forth in the appended claims forming part of the application.

In the accompanying drawing, several now preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of i1- lustration and not by way of limitation.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a slideless electrical connector according to the invention showing the engaging memher and the receiving member of the connector separated from each other.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of Fig. l on an enlarged scale and turned through an angle of Fig. 3 is a sectional view of Fig. l on an enlarged scale showing the two members of the connector applied to each other.

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3 on a reduced scale.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the engaging member of Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of a slide-controlled electrical connector showing the two members of the connector separated from each other.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional side view of Fig. 6 showing the two members of the connector applied to each other and turned through an'angle of 90.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the connector of Fig. 6 showing the two connector members applied to each other on a reduced scale.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a slide-controlled electrical connector which can be released either from the receiving side or the engaging side, the engaging member being shown applied to the receiving member.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of part of the receiving member of the connector.

Fig. 11 is a sectional side view of a slide-controlled mechanical connector showing the two connector members applied to each other, and

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing a different relative position of the components of the connector.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive in detail, the electrical connector according to these figures comprises an engaging connector member generally designated by 15 and a receiving connector member generally designated by 16. The engaging member 15 may be attached to a connecting cord or be visualized as being stationarily mounted in or on a panel or wall so that it in effect forms an outlet to which the receiving connector member 16 is applied. The connector is shown as a two-pole connector but it will be apparent that the invention can be applied equally well to a single pole or to a multiple pole connector.

The electrical components and the'locking mechanism of the connector member are shown as being disposed i a Shell 17 which a e isualized as being fitted.

ing rod is secured toor integral with a sleeve 22 which is extended through an opening 23 in the bottom of shell 17. This sleeveshaped extension of the clampingrod merely serves to provide a convenient means for -elec-- ttically connecting a wire 24 with the clampingrod and may accordingly take any shape suitable for effecting the.

electric connection by operations known for this-purpose, such as crimping or soldering. It will now be apparentv that each of theclamping rods and their 'clamping'heads form one ot the pole elements of the engaging connector members. The two clarnping rods'may .be held in position withinshell 17 by means of an insulation plate 25.v

As can best be seen on Fig. 4, sleeves 22 are anchored in ptate 2 5 -by means of flanges 22. The plate itself is sesuredto shell 17 by any suitable means shown as rivets .26. A rubber washer, 27 is preferably disposed between-plate and shell 17 for the purpose of moism P oofi The locking mechanism further comprises a retaining member in form of a sleeve member 28; As can best be see non Fig 3 the portion 28' of this sleeve member faoi ngtheclamping head is set off to form an outer should er, the purpose of which will become apparent from the subsequent description. Fig. 3 alsoshows that clamping head 21 protrudes from sleeve portion 28'. and

unilaterally overhangs the-same. A loaded coil spring- 22 biases sleeve 28 toward the clamping head.

two-sleeves 28. are secured to a bar or plate 36 made of any suitable insulation material. As will be apparent, pressure exertedupon plate 30 toward the. bottom of shell 17 will result in a joint movement of both the sleeves 28 away from the clamping head. Such withdrawal of sleeve 28 constitutes part of the release opera; tion as will appear from the subsequent description.

Referring now to the receiving member 16 of the con nector, this member comprises a body made of any suit:

able insulation material and preferably composed of two sections and; 3 6. The two sections are joined by any suitable means for instance by cementing when plast-ie'is usedor by vnlc anizing when rubber is employed. It 'is alsolpossible to employ a spring ring 37 fitted in -a cir: cumferential groove 38 in the two sections of the body. The ring may either be a single ring or be composed of two half rings 39f'and 48 as is shown on Fig.4. In case two-half rings are employed, the ends of these :ringsnre preferably bent inwardly to fit in recesses 41 asis also wires '46 are secured to sleeves 45 by any suitable means. 7

There isshown by way of example a tag or tail 47 ex; end r m s sste. 5-

Thej crossfsectional area of sleeve 45 is so selected.

thatthe peripheral outline of sleeve portion 28, i t kfits sleeve- 45, whereby sleeve, portion 23' is positively guided in the receiving sleeve when it is in the (position shown onfFig. 3. The peripheral outline of clamping head 21 is 'also so selected that it approximately fits sleeve-45 "70 and that 111 any event, the clamping head overhangs-the peripheral; rim of sleeveJ when the clamping-liead ispassed through sleeve 45,:as is shown on Fig/3. The axiakleng'thof sleeve 45;or in other words-, the depth of the receiving opening formed by sleeve 45 is so selejot-" ed that it is "slightly longer than the axial length of the set:ofi...sle.e eportion 28'. r

The body sections 35 and 36 are formed with a space 50 therein which partly serves to provide access to connecting tag 47 and partly to house those components of the release means which are disposed on the receiving member of the connector in accordance with the invention.

These components of the release means are shown as ompr s n a ba or pi i bly ded b t e n the two body sections 35and 36 as can best be seen on Fig. 4. Oneend of this bar ends in abutment with o'r closely adjacent to plate 30 when the two connector members are applied to each other as shown on Fig. 3.. The other end of bar protrudes from thebody of the receiving member and is retained within the receiving memher by any suitable means such as a laterally protruding nose 56 engageable with a shoulder 57 formed in space 50.; To facilitate the actuation of bar 55 in themanner hereinafter described, a button 58 is preferably secured to the respective end of bar 55. The retaining nose 56 may. then extend directly from button 58.

The operation of an electrical connector-as described in ;connection with Figs. 1 to 5 is as follows:.

Let it be assumed that the two connector membersare detached from each other and that it is desired'to apply -.the..receiving member, 16 to the engaging member 155then the operator fits the receiver body into-shell 17-. and pressesthe receiving member against the engagev menttmember so that each clamping head enters into its; sleeve 45. After the clamping heads have penetrated into sleeves-Aston certain-depth,the receiving edge of sleeves 45,:abutsagainst-the outer edge of sleeve portions 285 so than sleeves 28 are forced away from the clamping heads against; the actionof springs 29. The, clamping heads callit qwpenetrate deeper into sleeves 45; As soon. as theelarnping heads have substantially passed through slfigvfis lispace becomes available for sleeves 28 which snap into sleeves 45 by the action of their springs 29. The olamping heads are now positively retained in their positions overhanging the inner end of sleeves 45. As, wi l be; observed, springs 29 remain somewhatloaded by reason otthe aforementioned difference between the ea lessh m eeve a d A high quality and low resistance electric pressure con: tact is now established between the engaging surfaces of; the clamping heads and sleeves 45 and a second high quality and low resistance pressure contact is established between sleeves is, and the shoulder formed on sleeves 28,

Let it now be assumed that it is desired to separatethe two'conneetor members fromeach other.- Forthis purpose the operator depresses button 58 and as a result, bar 55 forcessplate-so toward the, bottom of shellrlT whereby the sleeve'portionsZS' are moved out of receivingsleeves .45.; Consequently,- the clamping. heads-are no longer positively retained within the receiving. sleeves and memberilo can be withdrawn from member 15. In

oth er -words,ibutton 58 on the receiving or female con-...

The engaging or lug member of the connector accord- =ingfto Figs. 6 to 8 is generally designated by 60 and the receivingor female member is generally designated by 61'. The engaging member 61) may again be visualized as a movable member or as a stationarilymounted nemlrln ii h he r c n member 6 i appl e The connector member 60 comprises a shell 62 which mayalso'form'part of a panel or a wall of an instrument,

An insulation member 63 is secured to shell 62 by any suitable means. Member 63 supports the pole elements of the engaging member of tie connector which is again shown as a two-pole connector although the invention is of course not limited to a two-pole connector. Each of these pole elements comprises a clamping rod 64 which is anchored to member 63 by any suitable means such as a screw 65. The forward end of each clamping rod 64 ends in an eccentrically enlarged clamping head 66. There is further provided for each clamping rod a wedging slide 67 which is disposed slideably alongside the clamping rod on the side thereof opposite to the eccentric clamping head 66. Springs 68 abutting against insulation member 63 and a flange laterally extending from the slides urge the latter toward the clamping head. Both the slides are guided by a common insulation bar 69 which also constitutes part of the release means as wilt appear from the subsequent description. Bar 69 is slidably mounted in member 63 and urged by springs 68 toward the clamping heads. flange of slides 67 also serves to retain the latter within bar 69.

The receiving member 61 comprises an insulation shell 70 closed at one end by a wall member 71 and at the other end by a cover 72 through which are extended the wires 73 to be connected. An insulation washer 74 is preferably interposed between the cover and the shell for the purpose of moisture-proofing. The blank end or" each wire 73 is connected to a pole element 75. These pole elements may be springy and be provided for this purpose with a contact spring 76. However, it should be mentioned in this connection that with connectors of the type herein referred to, the contact between the pole elements of the engaging and the receiving connector members which is relied upon to assure a high quality and low resistance connection is a pressure contact rather than the sliding or frictional contact between the clamping rods 64 with the clamping heads 66 and the springy contact elements 75. For the purpose of obtaining such pressure contact, each pole element 75 is bent oif to form an arm 77 having an opening 78 therethrough. These openings are in alignment with openings 79 through the bottom wall of shell 70.

As can best be seen on Fig. 7, the peripheral outline of each opening 78 relative to the peripheral outline of the corresponding clamping head 66 is such that the said clamping head just fits opening 78. Furthermore, the joint peripheral outline of the clamping rod 64 just below the clamping head and of slide 67 is such that the rod and the slide just fit opening 78 whereas the combined peripheral outline of slide 67 and clamping head 66 is larger than that of opening 78.

The release means disposed on receiving member 61 comprise a pin or rod 80 which is preferably guided in a channel or sleeve 81 formed for this purpose in shell 70. Pin 80 can extend from shell 70 through an opening 82 provided for this purpose and is biased into its retracted position shown on Fig. 6 by means of a loaded coil spring 83. The pin coacts with release bar 69 of the engaging connector member 60 when the connector members are applied to each other. For the purpose of sliding pin 80 into its position protruding from shell 70 actuating means are attached to pin 80. These means are shown as a bar 84 secured directly to pin 80 or more conveniently by means of a knob 85. Each end of bar 84 extends through an axially elongated slot 86 and 87 respectively in shell 70. To facilitate manipulation of the release means a milled or knurled button 88 and 89 is preferably attached to each end of bar 84.

The electric connector according to Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive operates as follows:

Let it be assumed that engaging connector member 60 is stationarily mounted for instance in a panel and that his desired to apply connector member 61 to member As will be apparent, the

60. Then shell 70 is inserted in casing 62 so that clamping heads 66 penetrate through the receiving openings 78. When now member 61 is moved further toward member 60, slides 67 will abut against contact arms 77 so that each slide will be pushed baekwardly relative to the respective clamping head whereby the latter can pass entirely through the receiving opening. Space becomes now available in the receiving openings for the slides 67 which are snapped by the compressed springs 68 into the receiving openings. The clamping rods and the slides now occupy the positions shown on Fig. 7 in which the clamping heads overhang the receiving openings so that the clamping rods and with them, the receiving connector member, are locked to the engaging connector member. it will also be observed that each clamping head'abuts against the edge of the respective receiving opening 78 thereby producing the aforementioned pressure contact. Pin is in the position in which it is retracted in shell 7t? and bar 84 abuts against the upper edges of slots 86 and 87 as shown on Fig. 7.

When it is now desired to release connector member 61 from connector member 60 the operator presses pin 80 toward connector member 60 by gripping buttons 88 and 89 and sliding the same in slots 86 and 87. As a result, the release our 69 is forced toward the bottom wall of shell 63 whereby the slides 67 are withdrawn from the receiving openings 78 so that the clamping heads are free to pass through the receiving openings. Connector member 61 can now be detached from connector member 68.

As will be apparent from the previous description and an analysis of the figures, the release means described in connection with Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive can be used with a connector of the type shown in Figs. 6 to 8 and similarly, the release means of the connector of Figs. 6 to 8 can be employed with the connector according to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive.

It will further be apparent that the locking and release mechanism as described in connection with Figs. 1 to 8 for an electric connector, could be applied also to a mechanical connector or coupling in which case one of the components to be coupled would be attached to the clamping rod and the other component would be attached to a suitable part of the receiving connector member. The latter member could of course also be visualized as part of a panel wall frame or a similar installation.

The release means are shown as manually operated but they could also be operated by electrically or power actuated means controlled from a remote point.

All the hereinbefore described connectors or couplings are released by manipulating or actuating release or actuating means disposed on the receiving connector member. Figs 9 and 10 show a connector which in addition to a release from the receiving side can also be released from the engaging side of the connector. The connector of Figs. 9 and 10 is shown as an electrical connector more specifically as a connector designed to carry heavy current, such as a welding connector but the same principle may also be applied to a mechanical connector.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10 in detail, the engaging connector member according to these figures comprises a sleeve-shaped member open at one end and closed at the other end. The closed end of sleeve 95 is extended and formed with an axial bore in which is inserted and secured one of the conductors 96 to be connected. A clamping rod 1% having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head is fastened in the open end of suitable means such as a screw 161. The clamping head protrudes from sleeve 95 which functionally constitutes part of the clamping rod. A Wedging slide 103 is slidably disposed alongside of the clamping rod on the side thereof opposite to the clamping head. The slide is provided with a nose 102 extending into the space between the inner end of the clamping rod 100 and sleeve 95 by any antigens.

he closed end o s eeve 95-" A wa d vilspr ng 4 i s nose l l' oward e i n d b r 0 cm;

hence th wed i slide a h cl p head. The wedging slide isfurth'er provided with an outwardly bent oil arm 105 forming a cam which extends into an axiallyelongate'd slot 106 in sleeve 95. The clamping rod and the wedging slide may have any suitable crossseetion. As illustrated, both the clamping rod and the wedging slide have a semi-circular cross-section.

The receiving connector member comprises a shell member 93 open and on one end and closed at the other end, The shell serves to receive sleeve 95 axially s1idable and rotatable. The closed end of shell 93 isformed with an axial bore in which is inserted and secured a conductor 94 to be electrically and mechanically con? nected with conductor 96, A flange inwardly protruding trout shell limits the depth of insertion of .sleeve 95 and also S rves together with a snap or spring ring 9810; a simi ar member to retain a receiving. plate 97.

Receiving plate 97' has a central receiving opening, the peripheral outline of which is such that it substantially fits the maximum cross-section of the clamping head and also the combined cross-section of the wedging slide and the clamping rod just below the clamping head. As will appear from the previous description, the locking operation of a connector of the type here in question involves that the clamping head is first passed through'the receiving opening and that the wedging slide is then inserted in the space made available in the receiving opening after the clamping head has passed through the receiving opening so that the. cross-sectional area of the receiving opening is substantially fully occupied by the combined cross-section of the clamping rod and the wedging slide thereby positively retaining the clamping head in the receiving plate. The aioredescribed locking operation involves a certain transverse movement of the engaging connector member relative to the receiving connector member. With the connector according to Fig. 9, sleeve 95 has entered shell 93 before the clamping head can pass through the receiving opening in plate 97. As a result, the two connector members cannot move transversely relative to each other as is required for the locking operation. In lieu of the aforementioned relative transverse movement of the entire connector members, the receiving plate 9'] is disposed transversely slidable in the ring space 99 formed between snap ring 93 and the flange of sleeve 93. The extent of the possible transverse movement of plate 97 in ring space 99 must be at least equal to the radial thickness of: slide 103. As will be'apparent, a transverse displacement of plate 97 has functionally the same effect as a transverse movement of the engaging connector member relative to thereceiving connector member during the locking operation. Fig. 9 shows the two connector members locked to each other, that is the clamping head has penetrated "the receiving opening of plate 97 and slide 103extends into the receiving opening alongside plate 97.

Forthe purpose at a release of the two connector members either from the receiving or the engaging side, the receiving end of shell 93 has a cam surface, the configuration of which can best be seen on Fig. 10. As this figure shows, the carnrning surface has two flanks 107, 108 using in axial direction and a center portion 109 which is preferably slightly recessed in axial direction to provide a rest position. Let it now be assumed that the two connector members are in the relative rotational position shown on Fig. 9. In this position, cam 105 of slide 103 is located juxtaposed to the root of either cam portion 107 or 16850 that spring 104 biases nose 102 and, hence, slide 103 into the illustrated locking position. When now either sleeve 95 is rotated relative to shell-'93 or the shell is rotated relative to the sleeve-yearn 195' rides along cam portion 107 or 108 depending upon which side'of'the cam surface'cam is located until the cam reaches cam portion 109 and of its rest position on cam portion 109 whereupon spring 104 will snap slide 103 into its position extending into the receiving openingof plate 97 thereby locking the two connector members to 'eachother.

Figs.'1l and 12 show a furtherexemplification of the invention" in the .form of a slide-controlled mechanical connector or coupling. The engaging or male member ofthe connectoris shown as comprising a clamping .rod 115, to which one of the elements to be connected is attached. One end of rod is formed with an eccentric clamping head 116. The receiving or female coupling member is shown as comprising a frame or bracket'll'f which may take any suitable shape and may also form part of a wall member. 117 is a wall member 118 formed with a receiving opening 119 therethrough. Frame 117 supports a wedging slide 120 disposed slidably along the clamping rod on the side thereof opposite'to'the overhanging portion of the clamping head and biased by a spring 121 toward the receiving opening 119 and ma direction away from'the clamping head 116. Themovement of-the slide 120 relative to wall member 118 andclamping rod-115 are limited by an extension 122 of the slide. This extension extends into an axially elongatedslot 123 of frame 117. A'button 124 is preferably secured to extension 122 to facilitate dis placement of the slide relative to wall 118 and rod 115.

The clamping rod 115 and the frame structure 117 are transversely movable relative 'to each other so that the clamping rodmay transversely move between the-positions shown'on Figs. '11 and 12 respectively. As will be observed, on Fig. 11 the left hand outer edge of the clamping rod is substantially in alignment-with the left hand rim of receiving opening 119 and on Fig. 12 it is spaced therefrom by the width of the wedging slide 120.

Furthermore, the combined peripheraloutline of theclamping head 116and of the wedging slide is so selected that it substantially fills the cross-sectional area of receiving .openiug119, as can best be seenon Fig. 11, and

the'acornbined 1 peripheral outline of the clamping rod 1 1 5 t and the wedging'slide 120 alsosubstantially fills-the receivingopening .119 as canbest be seenon Fig. 12.

The operation-of a connector-or'coupling according to-' Figs. -.llzand l2 is.as follows:

Let it be assumed that the two connector membersarcdetached from..each. other and that it isedesired to join the sameL=- When: the two. members are detached, the wedging-slide will occupy:the'zpositionshown onFig. 11. For the purpose of joining the two connectorimembers, the'clamping presses firspagaiust extension .127 of the wedgingislide.

and then .againstextension 128 thereof. Consequently the clamping head moves'deeper into the receiving opening u tiLit fin llylreaches th Position shown on :Fig.:l2.

Inthi position of the. clampingbead, space is made available-forthewedgingslide alongside the clamping rod so that the wedging slide returns into the position shown n.Fig. .11. This figure shows an intermediate stage of the locking operation. p

Whenit is now desired. to release the two. m mbers,

slide. 120is withdrawn fromthe receiving .openinghy anipu a on f release button 124 therebvpwvi ns The essential feature of frame As the. insertion of the clamping he diptqg esses the surfac 126 0fthe m g 111w! space for withdrawal of the clamping head from the receiving opening. As will be apparent, the slanted surface 125 of the clamping head which is parallel to the slanted surface 125 facilitates such withdrawal. The relative position of the parts as illustrated on Fig. 12 may be visualized either as an intermediate stage of the locking operation or the release operation.

It will again be apparent that the release means of Figs. 11 and 12 can also be power-actuated and from a remote point. Furthermore, the release principle of these figures can be applied to an electric connector also.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to certain now preferred examples and embodiments of the invention it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications in the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A release means for a self-locking connector having an engaging connector member and a receiving connector member detachably engageable with each other, said engaging connector member including a clamping rod having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head on one end and said receiving connector member including a member formed with a receiving opening having a peripheral outline substantially fitting the peripheral outline of the clamping head, one of said connector members further including a movable retaining member for positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving opening thereby locking the two connector members together, the said release means comprising means disposed on the receiving connector member and coacting with said retaining member for moving the retaining member and said member having the receiving opening into a relative position in which said clamping head is withdrawable from the receiving opening.

2. A release means for a self-locking connector having an engaging connector member and a receiving connector member detachably engageable with each other, said engaging connector member including a clamping rod having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head on one end and said receiving connector member being formed with a receiving opening having a peripheral outline substantially fitting the peripheral outline of the clamping head, one of said connector members further including a movable retaining member for positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving opening thereby locking the two connector members together, the said release means comprising a movable release member on the receiving connector member coacting with said retaining member for moving the said member from its said retaining position into a position relative to said member having the receiving opening in which space is made available for withdrawal of the clamping head from the receiving opening.

3. A release means for a self-locking connector having an engaging connector member and a receiving connector member detachably engageable with each other, said engaging connector member including a clamping rod having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head on one end and said receiving connector member including a member formed with a receiving opening having a peripheral outline substantially fitting the peripheral outline of the clamping head, one of said connector members further including a movable retaining member for positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving opening thereby locking the two connector members together, the said release means comprising a movable release member mounted on the receiving connector member in movement transmitting connection with said movable retaining member when the two connector members are locked together, displacement of said release member effecting movement of the retaining member from its said retaining position into a position relative to the member having said receiving opening in which space is made available for the withdrawal of the clamping head from said receiving opening.

4. A release means for a self-locking connector having an engaging connector member and a receiving connector member detachably engageable with each other, said engaging connector member including a clamping rod having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head on one end and said receiving connector member being formed with a receiving opening having a peripheral outline substantially fitting the peripheral outline of the clamping head, one of said connector members further including a movable retaining member positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving opening thereby locking the two connector members together, the said release means comprising a movable actuating member on the receiving connector member arranged operatively to engage the retaining member when the two connector members are locked to each other, the said retaining member being disposed on the engaging connector member, displacement of said actuating member effecting movement of the retaining member from its said retaining position into a release position relative to said receiving opening in which space is made available for the withdrawal of the clamping head from the receiving opening.

5. A release means according to claim 4, wherein the said release means further comprise a release member secured to the retaining member on the engaging connector member for movement in unison therewith, and wherein the said actuating member on the receiving connector member comprises a push-element abutting against said release member for displacement of the latter upon actuation of the actuating member thereby moving the retaining member into its release position.

6. A release means for a self-locking connector having an engaging connector member and a receiving connector member detachably engageable with each other, said engaging connector member including a clamping rod having an eccentrically enlarged clamping head on one end and said receiving connector member being formed with a receiving opening having a peripheral outline substantially fitting the peripheral outline of the clamping head, one of said connector members further including a wedging slide insertable in said receiving opening alongside the clamping rod on the side thereof opposite the clamping head for positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving opening thereby locking the two connector members together, the said release means comprising actuating means on the receiving connector member operatively connected with the wedging slide for moving the latter into a position withdrawn from the receiving opening.

7. A release means according to claim 6, wherein the said wedging slide is disposed on the engaging connector member slidable alongside the clamping rod, and wherein the said actuating means comprise an actuating member slidably supported on the receiving connector member and operatively engageable with the wedging slide when the connector members are applied to each other for pushing the wedging slide out of the receiving opening by a slidable displacement of said actuating member.

8. A release means according to claim 7, wherein the said actuating member comprises a push rod operable from the outside of the receiving member for the purpose aforesaid.

9. A release means according to claim 8, wherein a bar is secured to the wedging slide for movement in unison therewith, and wherein the said push rod is ens gageable with said bar.

10 A'release means according to claim. 6-with a pinrality of clampingrods and wedging slides on the engaging-connector member and a corresponding number of receivingropenings in the receiving connectormember, and wherein a common release member is secured to said wedging slides for joint movement thereof, and the said actuating means comprise an actuating member slidably'supported on the receiving connector member and operativelyengageable with said common release member when the two connector members are locked to each other for pushing all the wedging slides out of their respective receiving openings by a slidable displacement of the actuating member.

. 11. A release means according-to claim 6, wherein the said wedging slide is disposed on the receiving connector member, and .wherein the said release meanscomprise an actuating member disposed on the receiving connector member and operatively-connected with said wedg-ing slide for .withdrawal of the latter from the receivingopen- 12. A release means'according ,to clairnv 11, wherein the said actuating member isin form of an arm extending-from'thewedging slide and operable from'the outside of the receiving connector member 13. A release means for a self-locking connector having-areceiving connector member and anengaging connectopmember detachably engageable with each other, said receiving connector member including areceiving sleeveand said engaging connector member includinga clamping rod having an eccentrically enlargedclamping head on one end with a peripheral outline substantially fittingthe peripheral outline of said receiving sleeve-said engaging connector member further including; a-movable.

retaining-,member substantially fitting the peripheral outlinelof the receiving sleeve for positively retaining the clamping head in a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral outline of said receiving sleeve when the retainingmember is inserted in the receiving sleeve thereby locking the two connectormernbers together, .the said release means comprising an actuating. means disposedon the receiving connector member and operatively cngageable with said retaining member when the said member is inserted in the receiving sleeve and the two connector members are locked vtogether for-moving the retaiuingmember out of the receiving sleevebyan actuation of said actuating means.

14. A release means according tov claim :13, wherein the said actuating means comprise a-rod shaped actuatingmember slidably supported in the receiving connector member and displaceable from the outside. of thesaid.

member, displacement of the said trod shaped member pushing the retaining member out of ,its retaining posinone 15. A release means according-to claim 13 withseveral clamping rods and retaining :members on theengaging connector member and a corresponding number vof receiving sleeves on the receiving connector member, and wherein a release bar joins the said retainingmembers. for joint movement thereof and the said-actuating. means comprise an axially displaceable actuatingimember disposed on the receiving connector member and operatively engageable with said release bar when ,theconnector members are locked togetherfor joint withdrawal. of the retaining, members from the.receivingtsleeves by a displacement of said actuating member.

1.6. A self-locking connector having an engaging com 12 neetorrmember and a receiving connesnonmembendetache ably engageable with. each/other, the said :ensilginxieoltnectorlmemben includingga clampingrod having an centrically enlarged clamping ,head QI15 DI1,-C. a svedxi sslideslidablydisposed along saidclarnpingmod onrth side thereof opposite said clamping head,',.and.,loaded' spring means biasing saidslide ,towardtheclampinhead; and the .said receiving connector membersincludingg a receiving opening ,having a peripheral outline ;s ubst,an-

tiallyifittingthe clamping head and also the combined cross-section of the clamping rod justbelow therclarnping;

head and of theslide for positively retaining ,the clamping head in: a position unilaterally overhanging the peripheral: outline vof the receiving opening by plaeement ofetheds nssli e i sa d p ng elongsi esthe claim ng:redv

thereby locking the two connector members ftDgIhIQbuIJ allowingaxial rotation of .the two connectonmembers; relative to each other, one of-said,connectormembers' further including cam means :pttsitionedto eoactwwith said;

wedging slide by a camming action when the twocrconnector members are locked together, the saidarcamimv ns having a a cam surface releasingin onereiativenotational position of the connector members the :slide :fonplacement in the receiving opening ,bythe action ofstherspringw means and in'another rotationalpqsitionof the connector members retainingthe slide in a positiontwithdrawnjfrom:

the receiving opening thereby releasing the-.connector members from. each other receiving -,opening and mounted -.within. said ,shell,- thegsaid" shellhavingsaid cam means coasting twith thetwedgil g slide when theconnector members arelocked: together.

vl8.- A self-locking .connector ,according tosclaim. 17, wherein the end of the shell receiving saidsleeve member isformedrwith a cam surface, andwherein thesaid wedging ,slide is formed with a cam radially extending there from and arranged to ride on said cam surface, thejsaid cam-surface including a cam portion-which whencngaged by said cam releases the-wedgingslide for action by said spring means and a cam portion circumferentially,

spaced from the aforesaid .cam portion which vwhen .engagedsbysaid camin response toa relative rotationnof the connector members retains the wedgingplidein its withdrawr position.

19. A self-locking connector member according to claim 18;.wherein the said sleeve member ofthe engaging connector member is: open .at one end .andoclosed, atitheo other end, the said clamping r od being; secured rwithimthe- ,sleeve rnenrber with the clamping,head-sprctwdingg fromx. the-open sleeve end, and wherein the saidvwedgingslide hasa laterally extending arm protruding into thespace between the innerrod end andthe closed rendzofizithe sleeve member, and wherein the said loaded springmeans. comprise a coil spring disposed between saidclosed sleeve:

end .andsaid lateral arm of .therslide for: biasing, the said slide-to-ward the clamping, head.

References Cited in the file "of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,3,65i648 Rossmann ;Dec; '19, "1944 2,423,250 Modrey, v -.JJuly*1-, "1947 2,427,297 ,zModrey .Sept; .9',':l9."t7 

